An expedition to Normandy was suggested; and the idea was so natural that the King was already imagined to be at Rouen.[1140] Finally it was decided to attempt the capture of the chateaux the English held on the Loire, both below and above Orleans, Jargeau, Meung, Beaugency.[1141] A useful undertaking and one which presented no very great difficulties, unless it involved an encounter with Sir John Fastolf's army, and whether it would or no it was impossible to tell.
[Footnote 1140: Morosini, vol.iii, p.

61.] [Footnote 1141: _Trial_, vol.iii, pp.

9, 10.] Without further delay my Lord the Bastard marched on Jargeau with a few knights and some of Poton's soldiers of fortune; but the Loire was high and its waters filled the trenches.

Being unprovided with siege train, they retreated after having inflicted some hurt on the English and slain the commander of the town.[1142] [Footnote 1142: _Journal du siege_, p.93._Chronique de la Pucelle_, p.

300.] By the reasons of the captains the Maid set little store.